Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

Green homes are not just a fashionable statement but an area that should be of concern to all. Given the amount of existing homes on the market presently, you may be considering purchasing a home versus building a new one. This can be a wise choice but knowing the right questions to ask is vital.

• What is the R-value of the attic insulation? (The higher the R-value, the more insulated the home).
• Is there any insulation in the walls? (Many old homes have NO wall insulation).
• Are the windows double-paned? Are they low-e coated or Energy Star rated? (Poor quality windows could make up a third of your heating loss in the winter. The Energy Star rating will offer you a clear sign that your windows are highly-efficient for your region).
• What is the U-factor of the windows? (The U-factor, listed on the National Fenestration Council label, reflects the insulation ability of the entire window, not just the glass. Look for a U-factor of 0.35 or lower. For homes with overheating problems or with high air conditioning bills, you should also look for a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .35 or lower).
• What is the SEER rating on the air conditioner? How old is it? (If the AC was well-sized for your prospective home, the higher the SEER, the more efficient.  The current standard is SEER-13 but many homes can - and should - have air conditioners with higher SEER ratings if they have extended annual cooling needs).
• Has the home had an energy audit?  A HERS rating? (These can provide significant information on the energy efficiency of the home and how much it will cost to heat and cool the home during the year).
• What are the utility bills? (If you think that spacious home is the perfect buy, be sure the energy bills don’t ruin your monthly budget!)   http://www.nhpci.org/